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How Estrogen Heightens Cannabis Sensitivity

For decades, pre-clinical cannabis research generally used exclusively male rodents (this has traditionally been a problem across all areas of research). This strategy was supposed to reduce the variability in behavior imposed by fluctuating hormones across the reproductive cycle.

Instead, it limited our understanding of cannabis’ actions, primarily those of THC, to a male brain. Scientists are now starting to uncover the significant interaction between the endocannabinoid system and the sex hormone, estrogen, in mediating cannabis’ effects. This interaction then influences everything from brain development to risk for developing a cannabis use disorder.

The Effects of Cannabis Feel Stronger to Women

In general, women are more strongly affected by cannabis than men. With one exception, according to rat studies: Women tend to be less afflicted by the munchies.

But for most other behaviors, females are more sensitive. And sometimes